How to Grow Chives
Chives Germination Information
How to Sow Chives:
- Sow indoors at a temperature of 68-70° and at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds
- Expect germination in 10-14 days
- Alternatively, sow seeds outdoors in early spring when the soil is still cool
- When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed
How to Grow Chives: Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves
Spacing: Space 6 inches apart in full sun or light shade
Soil: Site in a rich, moist, well-drained soil
Additional Care: Clumps of Chives may be lifted in the fall and grown indoors in a sunny windowsill for winter harvesting
Appearance and Use:
Primarily grown for its culinary use, however, it adds a dainty vertical
aspect and attractive flowers to any container or border display. Small bulbs produce the 8-12 inch
long, slender, tubular, green leaves and the small, globular, lavender flower heads that appear in
early summer. The leaves have a delicate onion flavor that are used fresh or dried in soups, sauces,
salads, vinegar, cream cheese, and other spreads. Harvest them at any time. The edible flowers
are also used as a fresh garnish to soups and salads
About Chives: Botanical name: Allium schoenoprasum
Pronunciation: al’e-um sho’-no-pra-sum
Lifecycle: Perennial
Origination: Liliaceae; native to Europe and Asia